Jacob Goodwin, 8, of Downs Primary School, beats 30,000 young Gunners to take on Arsenal first team

A Deal youngster has enjoyed a day to remember at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium for the second time in two years.

Eight-year-old Jacob Godwin, who attends The Downs Primary School, was one of 20 selected out of 30,000 Junior Gunners to take on the Arsenal first team in a game.

The short match at the Emirates Stadium was against players, including Wojciech Szczesny, Kieran Gibbs and his favourite player, Jack Wilshere, and was a part of Arsenal’s annual members’ day attended by 10,000 people.

Jacob is third on the left of player Mikel Arteta. Picture Roxanne Wilson

Arsenal mascot Gunnersaurus was in goal for the Gunners’ stars, with England and Arsenal ace Theo Walcott refereeing the game.

Jacob’s grandfather Ken Godwin, who is an avid supporter of the London team and having originated from there, is responsible for Jacob’s love of the side.

He assisted his grandson on the day, along with his brother and Jacob’s great-uncle David Godwyn.

Mr Godwyn said: “He is of four generations of Arsenal supporters. Every year we sign up for the membership which makes it easier for us to get tickets.

“I’m always going up there and he comes with me. We’ve already been to the first game of the season.”

Jacob in the middle, directly right of player Kieran Gibbs

He added: “He was very lucky to do it last year and so we were a bit surprised when he was chosen again. He has been very lucky to get it twice.

“He shook hands with all the players, including manager Arsène Wenger.

“They took him into the changing rooms and then they came out and watched the players train from the stands. He was also given a full kit.

“It was a brilliant day for him. I’m a bit envious that he’s been on the pitch twice now and I haven’t been on it at all”.